We feel your pain. I can remember doing jobs like the water pump two and three times over for the same reason you did; forgetting something or else just doing it wrong.
Makes you want to scream and cry at the same time. Feeling dumb is mandatory while learning. I later learned to either read the manual (and keep it handy while doing the job) or do the job with an experienced friend around that would 'instruct' me and keep me out of trouble while I learned how to do it the right way. I still do this on big jobs. We never stop learning and screwing things up is part of that process, I'm afraid. Even the best mechanics do it once in awhile....I've seen it happen. You guys are just a part of that long line of folks who have leftover parts after the job is 'finished' or need more than one try to get it on right. The good part (besides getting to hang out with your bud and work on your 'Stang) is when it
does fit/work right and you have the pride of knowing that
you did it and it's now done right.
[This message has been edited by Mr 5 0 (edited 03-29-2001).]